Holy Church of Saint Nicholas

The Church of Saint Nicholas of Psara dominates the summit of a steep hill at the southwestern edge of the island. It was here that the first post-Byzantine settlement of Psara was established, serving as the island’s administrative, religious, and social center until its destruction by the Ottomans in 1824.
At the heart of this settlement, a small church dedicated to Saint Nicholas was built in the 17th century. The construction of the present church began above it in 1785 and was completed in 1793. It is a three-aisled domed basilica with a gallery and a narthex.
Saint Nicholas is closely associated with the defining events of the island’s history. It was here that decisions were taken regarding the participation of the Psarians in the War of Independence. From this very place, Constantine Kanaris set out to accomplish his celebrated feat of burning the Ottoman flagship in 1822.
After the mid-19th century, efforts began to restore the ruined church. A new icon of Saint Nicholas was painted in Ermoupoli in 1846 to replace the original and historic patronal icon that had been seized by the Ottomans.
Throughout the 20th century, several unsuccessful repair attempts were made on the church, which had suffered damage from earthquakes, lightning strikes, harsh environmental conditions, and ill-considered modern interventions that altered its original morphology. Between 2012 and 2015, conservation and restoration works were carried out in accordance with studies approved by the Ministry of Culture. As a result, the monument has now regained its authentic historical form.

DONATION OF THE NON-PROFIT CIVIL COMPANY AEGEAS

• Support for the conservation and restoration works of the Holy Church.